The homestead exemption gets the attention, and it should. But Florida offers several other exemptions and benefits that stack on top of homestead, and many eligible owners never file. Most share the same deadline: March 1. Here are five worth checking.
1. The senior exemption
Owners 65 and older whose household income is below an annually adjusted limit may qualify for an additional exemption of up to $50,000, and long-term residents of modest homes may qualify for more. These are local-option exemptions, so they reduce only the taxes of the county or city that adopted them.
Why it's missed: people assume it's automatic at 65, or that their income is too high without checking the current limit. It also requires a new income statement every year.
Learn more: senior exemption guide.
2. The $5,000 veterans disability exemption
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more can receive a $5,000 reduction in assessed value. Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability may have their homestead fully exempt, and combat-disabled veterans 65 and older can receive a percentage discount.
Why it's missed: many veterans with partial ratings don't know the $5,000 exemption exists, and some never update their record when their rating changes.
Learn more: veterans exemption guide.
3. The widow or widower exemption
Florida residents whose spouse has died and who have not remarried can receive a small exemption, historically $500. It stacks with homestead and other exemptions.
Why it's missed: it's small, and grieving families have other priorities. But it recurs every year once granted, and the application is simple.
4. Disability and blind persons exemptions
Totally and permanently disabled residents and legally blind residents can each receive a small exemption, and certain owners with qualifying disabilities can have their homestead fully exempt, some subject to income limits.
Why it's missed: owners don't know the full exemptions exist, or don't realize physician certification on the official Florida forms is all it takes to start.
Learn more: disability exemption guide.
5. Save Our Homes portability
Not an exemption, but often worth more than any of them. If you sold a Florida homestead within the past three years and bought a new one, you may be able to transfer up to $500,000 of your Save Our Homes benefit to the new home.
Why it's missed: buyers assume it happens automatically. It doesn't. You must apply with your new homestead application.
Learn more: Save Our Homes and portability guide.
How to claim them
- Check eligibility using the guides above.
- Gather documents, such as proof of age, a VA letter, physician certifications, a death certificate or income statements.
- File with the official Orange County Property Appraiser by March 1. Filing is free.
- Check your TRIM notice in August to make sure each exemption was applied.
Missed March 1? Limited late filing may be possible until about 25 days after TRIM notices are mailed, often with a showing of extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, file for next year. The deadline tracker counts down to each key date, and the Orange County property appraiser guide homepage links to every topic on this site.